Back Surgery and Spinal Fusion Rehab in Chardon, OH
Your back surgery is done. Now it's time to get your life back.
You had back surgery, or it's on the calendar. You're nervous to bend, lift, or twist, and unsure what's safe. Maybe you still have some pain or numbness. You want to walk farther, get back to work, play with your kids, and trust your back again.
You deserve a clear, safe plan and one-on-one support every step of the way.
We know how frustrating this is
Most of our clients come to us after other treatments didn't work. We know how discouraging it is to hurt, feel stuck, and not know who to trust. That's why the Doctors of Physical Therapy at Chardon Performance Therapy start by listening, until we understand your story and your goals.
We've helped thousands of active people regain confidence, strength, and control, even after other treatments didn't work.
What we help with
Rehab after spinal fusion
Rehab after discectomy and laminectomy
Neck surgery rehab
Strength work before back surgery
Ongoing pain or stiffness after surgery
Getting back to work, lifting, golf, and exercise
How it works
1. Share your story. Your initial assessment is a 75-minute, one-on-one visit with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. We listen to your goals, your history, and what you've already tried, so we understand what truly matters to you.
2. Get a comprehensive care plan. We follow your surgeon's protocol and restrictions, check your strength, walking, and nerve symptoms, and explain your recovery in clear, simple language.
3. Work with an accountable guide. Your follow-up sessions are a full hour, one-on-one. We progress your walking, core strength, and lifting mechanics step by step, so you can move with confidence instead of fear.
What recovery looks like
Most people start with walking and gentle core work, then progress to strength and lifting as healing allows. Fusion recovery takes longer than a discectomy, and every surgeon's protocol is a little different. We'll follow it closely and keep your surgeon informed.
What our clients say
"I have severe muscle pain and nerve damage from an old spinal fusion which makes treatment a little complex but Dave had no problem tailoring a plan to work around those particular obstacles… I am so grateful to be moving past pain I thought was a permanent fixture in my life."
Megan D. ★★★★★
"Having chronic lower back pain for years I was ready for surgery… Now 12 visits later and I can say I'm pain free, have learned how to move to prevent future injuries, and continue to stabilize muscles correctly to live a better life."
Mike S. ★★★★★
"Each of the the physical therapists take the time to understand how you are really feeling and truly help you understand the fear of movement and just being able to move again. I never thought I would be able to rotate my lower back to play golf, let along start picking up weights again."
Heather A. ★★★★★
Rated 5.0 stars from 253 Google reviews.
Don't stay stuck
If you avoid moving after surgery, stiffness, weakness, and fear can hang around long after your incision heals. Let's rebuild your confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a doctor's referral for physical therapy in Ohio?
No. Ohio law lets you see a physical therapist directly, without a referral.
How long are the sessions?
Your initial assessment is 75 minutes. Follow-up sessions are 60 minutes, always one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Do you take insurance?
We're out of network with all insurance companies. We accept HSA and FSA cards, and many clients are reimbursed through their out-of-network benefits. We'll walk you through your options on a quick call.
How soon after back surgery can I start physical therapy?
It depends on your surgery and your surgeon. Some people start within a few weeks, and others after a few months for a fusion. We'll follow your surgeon's timeline.
Will I ever lift again?
Most people can. We'll build you up gradually and teach you how to lift with confidence once your surgeon clears you.
When should I see a doctor instead?
Call your surgeon right away for fever, redness or drainage at your incision, new or worsening leg weakness, or a swollen, painful calf. Go to the emergency room for loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin, or chest pain or shortness of breath.
More back help: Low Back Injury Rehab: Strength & Core Stability (video) · Before We Treat, We Watch You Move (video) · Personalized One-on-One Physical Therapy (video)
Serving Chardon and Northeast Ohio
Our clinic is at 520 5th Ave in downtown Chardon. Clients come to us from Chesterland, Mentor, Painesville, Perry, Eastlake, Willoughby, Pepper Pike, Cleveland Heights, and across Geauga and Lake County.